scholarly journals Episodic Retail Settings: A Sustainable and Adaptive Strategy for City Centre Stores

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2482
Author(s):  
Malin Sundström ◽  
Christine Lundberg ◽  
Vassilios Ziakas
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Added Value ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Scientific Circle ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Flexible Operation

The fact that an already damaged retail industry is being challenged by a pandemic makes the industry’s survival a matter of urban resilience. Sustainable and adaptive strategies are needed to reverse the negative development of the retail sector, and in this conceptual paper, a new perspective is suggested based on episodic retail settings. Such a perspective can increase a physical store’s attraction and may serve as a flexible operation strategy for urban retailers and give added value to urban consumers as they shape an ongoing dramatological discourse and facilitate social interaction in a way that traditional fixed-store formats are unable to compete with. By applying the scientific circle of enquiry (SCE), the authors develop an interdisciplinary perspective cutting across the sustainability, service science, and urban studies fields. On this ground, they present a set of conceptual premises and a tripartite conceptual framework delineating how to effectively design episodic retail settings that are adaptive and sustainable. The paper concludes with suggestions for research questions to further advance this field of study.

Developing physical resilience strategies in passive defense according to identification of endangered areas of urban environments (case study: Ahvaz city)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mozhdeh Pouryarmohammadi ◽  
Hasan Ahmadi ◽  
AliAkbar Salaripour
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Urban Form ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies

Purpose This paper aims to focus on reducing the vulnerability of Ahvaz city against urban disasters and lowering the number of casualties and amount of financial losses using modern approaches to develop resilience strategies that can increase urban safety to an acceptable level. The strategic situation of Ahvaz city, because of its abundant resources, the war experience and its location on the boundary regions of Iran, highlights its significance. Ahvaz has a high population and an extended texture, and the existence of extraordinary constructions increases the importance of physical resilience in this city. Design/methodology/approach The present study investigates built environment aspects such as the urban structure, the urban form, land-use proximity pattern, urban road network and crucial and vulnerable centres in Ahvaz, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Hence, the areas at risk in Ahvaz were identified and illustrated in a comprehensive risk assessment map, and then, by using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats technique and finally by using the Delphi method, some strategies and plans were presented to reduce the level of vulnerability in Ahvaz. Then, these strategies are prioritized by applying quality function deployment (QFD) technique. Findings The risk assessment result shows that most parts of Ahvaz’s urban areas are highly at risk. The central and northern parts of Ahvaz have the highest vulnerability at a time of crisis. These zones include district 1 (city centre) and districts 2, 3 and 7 at the city’s margins. The result of QFD process showed that the essential urban resilience strategy is to positively consider the passive defence studies with a physical resilience approach. Also, the proper distribution of strategic points in the city, moving the industrial and oil companies from the peripheral area, and facilitating access to vital, crucial centres to support urban regions are considered the most effective strategic plans. Originality/value This paper, with an integrated approach, examines and prioritizes the main physical problems of Ahvaz city based on the spatial analysis and opinions of experts. The physical strategies presented in this paper can significantly reduce the risks and increase the urban resilience of Ahvaz city in the face of crisis.

scholarly journals EARTHQUAKE RISK MITIGATION: THE IMPACT OF SEISMIC RETROFITTING STRATEGIES ON URBAN RESILIENCE

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Miguel FERREIRA ◽  
Rui MAIO
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Seismic Retrofitting ◽  
Structural Safety ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Earthquake Risk ◽  
Masonry Building ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
The Impact

It is recognized that both community and urban resilience depends on the capacity of built environment to maintain acceptable structural safety levels during and after unforeseeable events, such as earthquakes, as well as to recover their original functionality. Investing in disaster risk mitigation policies is a great step towards promoting urban resilience and community preparedness, implicitly limiting damage to the built environment and subsequently reducing human, economic and environmental losses. Portugal is a moderate to high seismic prone area as the latest estimates indicate that within the next 50 years the country could be severely hit by a strong quake similar to the histori­cal 1755 event, which left a trail of destruction and death, mainly in densely populated areas, such as Lisbon. This manuscript aims to mitigate the impact of earthquake damage scenarios on social and economical terms, as well as evaluating the outcome of implementing traditional retrofitting strategies to existing masonry building stock located in urban areas of high seismic risk, using the old city centre of Horta, Faial island (Azores, Portugal), as a case study.

Sponsees: the silent side of sponsorship research

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio Toscani ◽  
Gerard Prendergast
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Holistic Manner

PurposeTo date the vast majority of sponsorship research has focused on the perspective of sponsors. The purpose of this paper is to use this research to identify factors that sponsored institutions and organizations (sponsees) should be cognizant of before entering into a sponsorship arrangement, and to propose a research agenda based on these factors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors leverage sponsorship research that has been published in business journals with an impact factor above 0.5 (Reuters, 2015).FindingsThis paper argues that sponsees should be aware of the benefits that sponsorship brings to sponsors so that they can better appeal to potential sponsors. A sponsee also needs to be aware of the impact a sponsorship partnership may have on its own brand, image, and equity.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual paper grounded in the literature that aims to stimulate further research in the domain of sponsorship and provide deeper understanding for sponsees. Empirical research addressing the research questions posed is required.Practical implicationsIn a holistic manner, this literature review offers insights into factors that sponsees should consider before entering a sponsorship relationship.Originality/valuePrevious research in the sponsorship domain has focused primarily on dyadic sponsors. This paper considers sponsorship from the sponsee’s perspective.

Organizational culture: does it influence the way a company deals with CSR?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Sandra Castro-González ◽  
Belén Bande
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Human Resource Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
A Company ◽  
Do So

PurposeThis paper aims to show how managers model culture for employees to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.Design/methodology/approachThe proposal begins by highlighting the importance of culture for CSR implementation and then explains the impact of culture on employees.FindingsCurrently, many companies carry out activities under the CSR umbrella, but they may do so without considering whether their company’s context is ideal for such initiatives. They may also not consider the types of employees composing the workforce or their disposition toward CSR. In these circumstances, organizations may miss out on the added value of CSR practices.Originality/valueThe important influence of CSR practices on employees’ attitudes and behaviors at work requires organizations to implement these types of actions. Therefore, the contextual factors that are most likely to aid in developing and maintaining these practices must be acknowledged. This paper seeks to offer a new perspective to managers and human resource managers regarding the implementation of CSR activities.

scholarly journals English pronunciation training through the eyes of university graduates

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-312
Author(s):  
Iga Krzysik ◽  
Halina Lewandowska
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
English Pronunciation ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Adam Mickiewicz

The aim of the current study is to examine the program of pronunciation training and its implementation from a new perspective, which is that of MA graduates. The data were obtained from 65 graduates of the Faculty of English at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań by means of an online survey. The research questions posed in the study explore the matter of taught models and varieties of English, materials, teaching, and opinions regarding the accent the participants received. By providing a new perspective on the teaching and learning of pronunciation the study might help university teachers to enhance the pronunciation courses in their institutions.

scholarly journals MARKETING MIX THEORETICAL ASPECTS

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Margarita Išoraitė
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Marketing Mix ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Analysis Methods ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Marketing Budget

Aim of article is to analyze marketing mix theoretical aspects. The article discusses that marketing mix is one of the main objectives of the marketing mix elements for setting objectives and marketing budget measures. The importance of each element depends not only on the company and its activities, but also on the competition and time. All marketing elements are interrelated and should be seen in the whole of their actions. Some items may have greater importance than others; it depends mainly on the company's strategy and its activities. Companies that provide services - the provision of services will be a key element. Article arises research questions is marketing mix create added value for enterprises. There are used scientific literature and analysis methods in article. An analysis of the scientific literature, it can be said that the marketing mix measures are the actions and measures necessary to achieve marketing goals. Marketing elements: product, price, place and promotion are used for marketing objectives. These instruments operate most efficiently when all the elements are combined and working together.

Development policies and partnerships in Greece: experiences from Thessaloniki

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-233
Author(s):  
Theodore Metaxas ◽  
Marie Noelle Duquenne
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Local Economic Development ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Research Questions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of specific local development policies and partnerships for SME enterprises in Thessaloniki one of the metropolis of south Europe. The two main research questions are: first, what are the most important development policies for firms’ development? and second, in what level these policies receive different significance from firms belonging in different production sectors? Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve the aims of the paper and answer the research questions, the study uses an extensive use of bibliography, and field research that has been implemented by administering questionnaires on a representative sample of 227 enterprises. The study comes up to valuable conclusions for the firms and the city through the use of exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis and clustering. Findings – The present research brings on important issues and questions about local economic development because it presents directly the estimations and views of a large number of local enterprises that reflect the image of local economy. Finally, this research gives a satisfactory overview of the inner growth of Thessaloniki and further the results could lead to an evaluation, planning, implementation, rejection or reconstruction of specific actions and policies locally. Research limitations/implications – The analysis is constrained by weakness since the sample of enterprises is rather small and the results concern only the enterprises located in Thessaloniki. Based on this fact, general conclusions can be drawed for other regions as well as for the whole Greece. This is subjected to more analysis. Practical implications – The added value of this research is essential since there are only few similar researches in South-East Europe and in Greece. Especially, the relationship between local development policies and firms’ development competitiveness has not been studied enough in the area under consideration. Social implications – Enterprises understand and designate the importance of specific policies that affect their development while at the same time through their evaluations they outline the character and dynamics of these policies in a unique dynamic, geographical and productive city like this of Thessaloniki. Originality/value – The analysis showed that enterprises recognize as positive factor the effort of the local authorities to set the area as a business pole in favour of enterprises and the broader area but policy problems of organization and planning arise that concern mainly the operation and support of local enterprises and specific those from the tourist and service sector. This image raises issues of competence on planning and organization of development polices by the local authorities focusing on specific productive sectors so as the effect of these policies to be effective with positive results for enterprises.

BIM in the operations stage: bottlenecks and implications for owners

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold Bosch ◽  
Leentje Volker ◽  
Alexander Koutamanis
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Companies ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Context Dependent ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose – The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Netherlands is increasing. Studies show that BIM is mainly used in the lifecycle stages of initiation, development and realisation. Owners and operators are presumably yet to discover the added value of BIM for maintenance and information management within their organisations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate information management during the operations stage from the viewpoint of owners and determines the added value of BIM within this growing field of construction. Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on a literature review, explorative interviews and process modelling. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted among public real estate and infrastructure owners and operators, software companies, service providers and contractors. Findings – This paper provides empirical insights into the sources of inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the activities of Dutch semi-public and public clients. It finds that the current added value of BIM in the operations stage is marginal. The main reasons for this are a lack of alignment between the supply of and demand for information and the context-dependent role of information. Practical implications – The authors propose a structured approach that supports client organisations in establishing greater alignment between the supply of and demand for information, and a less context-dependent role for information during the operations stage. Originality/value – In contrast to previous studies, this paper offers a new perspective on BIM in the operations stage, a growing field of interest in practice and science.

Exploring adaptability in organizations

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 837-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Ramón Tejeiro Koller
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Adaptive Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Concept ◽  
Innovative Firms ◽  
Organization Ecology ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a new perspective on adaptive strategy design. It examines the concept of adaptive advantage, as such a new perspective, and seeks to improve its understanding and application. The study of its origins leads to a solid comprehension of the concept and the proposal of a certain company profile. This could serve as a foundation for further research and as benchmark for companies trying to be more responsive to change and ultimately more resilient. Design/methodology/approach Three theories of the area of adaptability, namely, organization ecology, corporate demography and complexity-based thinking, have been studied conducting a review of the relevant literature of each one. After drawing out the individual contributions, a definition of adaptive advantage is offered and the question about its implementation in an organization is posed. Consequently, indicators of the three elements impacting adaptability, innovation culture, decision-making style and accumulated experience are measured in a sample of “old” and innovative firms. In order to do so, three questionnaires have been used, resulting in a case description of an archetype of adaptive companies. Findings It is shown that the expected elements are present, but in a lesser degree than expected. In conclusion, the trial study shows a pattern of “old,” innovative firms, whose cultures promote innovation, are analytic and adaptive in their decision making and have relatively high levels of accumulated experience. Originality/value This general review improves the comprehension of a complex concept currently under debate in the field of strategic planning. It explains the areas of the firm implicated in the achievement of adaptive advantage and tries to clarify a practical application of the concept.

scholarly journals The Role of Community-Led Food Retailers in Enabling Urban Resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7563
Author(s):  
Morven G. McEachern ◽  
Gary Warnaby ◽  
Caroline Moraes
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Moral Values ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Customer Base ◽  
Food Retailers ◽  
Local Embeddedness ◽  
The Uk

Our research examines the extent to which community-led food retailers (CLFRs) contribute to the resilience and sustainability of urban retail systems and communities in the UK, contributing to existing debates on the sustainability and resilience of the UK’s urban retail sector. While existing literature has predominantly focused on larger retail multiples, we suggest more attention be paid to small, independent retailers as they possess a broader, more diffuse spatiality and societal impact than that of the immediate locale. Moreover, their local embeddedness and understanding of the needs of the local customer base provide a key source of potentially sustainable competitive advantage. Using spatial and relational resilience theories, and drawing on 14 original qualitative interviews with CLFRs, we establish the complex links between community, place, social relations, moral values, and resilience that manifest through CLFRs. In doing so, we advance the conceptualization of community resilience by acknowledging that in order to realise the networked, resilient capacities of a community, the moral values and behavior of the retail community need to be ascertained. Implications and relevant recommendations are provided to secure a more sustainable set of capacities needed to ensure resilient, urban retail systems which benefit local communities.

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